It can be overwhelming to select the right tire size for your vehicle. Among some of the most popular common tire sizes for trucks and SUVs are 265/75R16 and 235/85R16. Both of these popular sizes are well known to many within the off-road utility vehicle community, but they deliver two different sets of features. In this post, we will compare 265/75R16 tires against 235/85R16 tires to provide an informed choice.
What’s this talk about numbers?
Clearing up first, what these dimensions mean
265/75R16:
265 mm: the width of the tire.
75: Its aspect ratio (how height of the sidewall bears to its width).
R: Radial construction;
16: Diameter of the rim in inches.
235/85R16:
235 mm: the width of the tire.
85: Its aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall bears to its width).
R: Radial building.
16: The diameter of the wheel (16 inches).
Both the tires are designed for 16-inch wheels but differ in width and height of the sidewall. This will influence their entire performance.
265/75R16 vs. 235/85R16: What’s Different?
1. Tire width
265/75R16 tires are wider than 235/85R16 tires. The 265 width is equivalent to 265 millimeters, while the 235 width means the tire is 235 millimeters wide. This makes the contact patch, the part of the tire that touches the ground, wider.
Wider tires such as 265/75R16 have better traction and stability, especially when used in dry or off-road conditions. They give a larger surface area to hold onto the road or trail.
Narrower tires, like 235/85R16, are able to take the least rolling resistance and tend to handle good in deep snow or mud because they cut more easily into softer surfaces.
2. Sidewall Height
Aspect ratio: This is the second number in the size of your tire, inches that describes sidewall height. A higher number will be more vertical. It is 75% that is the sidewall height for the 265/75R16 tire; for the 235/85R16 tire, this would be 85%.
265/75R16: This tire has a shorter sidewall and thus offers better handling and cornering stability on paved roads but less comfort in rough terrains compared to a taller tire.
235/85R16: This tire has a taller sidewall and thus offers more cushioning for off-road use, providing better ride comfort and performance on rough or uneven surfaces. The extra height also provides additional ground clearance, which is a benefit for off-road vehicles.
3. Overall Diameter
The overall diameter between the two tires is slightly different due to their difference in width and aspect ratio. The overall diameter of 265/75R16 tires is approximately 31.6 inches, while that for 235/85R16 tires is approximately 31.7 inches.
This slight difference in diameter can affect your performance when using the vehicle:
265/75R16 tires are slightly wider, which can give your vehicle better road grip and handling on paved surfaces.
235/85R16 tires, on the other hand, will provide extra height, which in turn would help in raising the overall vehicle, clearing more things with it off-road as well as clear obstacles that a vehicle has to move across, like rocks and curbs.
4. Load Capacity
While it is general, for higher load capacity, wider the tire. In a wide tire the sidewall would be relatively stronger thus taking more loads. But sometimes you could be pulling loads or taking heavy goods, so there’s greater chance of overloading that the vehicle’s weight distribution does not compromise.
A 265/75R16 tire can be perfect when you need to lug heavy equipment around. In case you are really after off-road handling and comfort, then the 235/85R16 may be the better option.
Which Tire Best for You?
In Accordence with USA Wheels Tires INC, The better between 265/75R16 vs. 235/85R16 depends on your very nature of driving. Here are a few instances when a certain size might be chosen:
Choose 265/75R16 if you have:
You like having most driving on pavements or highways. You drive a big vehicle or tow mostly. You would want wider tires for much better traction, stability, and handling. You’re after comfort and road performance, not off-road. Choose 235/85R16 when:
You off-road often and need a tire that will provide you with a much more comfortable ride over uneven or rough ground. You need ground clearance for off-road activities.
You need a tire to penetrate soft surfaces like mud or snow more effectively.
You desire a more fuel-efficient tire because of lower rolling resistance.
Tire Fitment Considerations
Whichever tire size you choose, refer always to your vehicle’s fitment specification. Consult:
Other truck and car types may use 235/85R16 tires, but if it is a truck or SUV designed to go off-road, the heavier-duty vehicle or the trailer tow may be suited better for 265/75R16 tires.
Suspension and clearance: choose a tire that does not extend past your vehicle’s wheel wells and will not rub when you turn the vehicle.
The overall diameter difference can also cause slight changes in the recording of your automobile’s odometer and speedometer. Compatibility must be consulted by a professional.
Conclusion
265/75R16 vs 235/85R16 tires: which one to choose depends on the driver’s habits and requirements. It is usually recommended for increased on-road performance, stability, and handling if higher on-road performance is desired. On the other hand, those who often go off the road can opt for 235/85R16 tires for better capabilities in off-road comfort and clearance.
Know your car, the kind of driving that you do, and the other specific requirements; so pick which tire size is going to give you the best performance and value for your kind of driving.
Read Also: Why Choose Nitto 35×12.50R20 Tires for Off-Roading?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the most important difference between a 265/75R16 and a 235/85R16 tire?
Tire width is the primary difference. The 265/75R16 tires are wider and give better stability and traction, while 235/85R16 tires are narrower with a taller sidewall and give a more comfortable ride and greater off-road capabilities.
2. Can I replace 235/85R16 with 265/75R16?
That depends on the clearance of your vehicle and fitment. The 265/75R16 tire is wider, so you might need to install a lift kit to avoid rubbing.
3. Which one is better for towing?
265/75R16 tires have a higher load capacity and are much better suited for towing heavy loads compared to 235/85R16 tires.
4. Are 235/85R16 good for off-roading?
235/85R16 tires are very good for dirt roads with high sidewall height and provide better ride comfort on bumpy roads.
5. How does size impact fuel economy?
With a more slender profile, less rolling resistance is achieved in 235/85R16 tires than in the 265/75R16 tires.
